Abstract:

The invention relates to a case assembly for antenna amplifying system, an
antenna amplifying system and a mast antenna incorporating such a system.
According to the invention, the case assembly for antenna amplifying
system having a general shape elongated along a longitudinal axis (34)
comprises a control module (16) and two amplifying modules (9a, 9b)
aligned therewith along the longitudinal axis (34), the control module
(16) and both amplifying modules (9a, 9b) each comprising two
longitudinal lateral walls (11a, 11b, 11c, 12a, 12b, 12c), an upper
surface (36a, 36b, 36c) and a lower surface (37a, 37b, 37c) and having a
small thickness.

Claims:

1. A case assembly for amplifying system of antenna having a general shape
elongated along a longitudinal axis (34) comprising a control module (16)
and two amplifying modules (9a, 9b) aligned therewith along the
longitudinal axis (34), the control module (16) and both amplifying
modules (9a, 9b) each comprising two longitudinal lateral walls (11a,
11b, 11c, 12a, 12b, 12c), an upper surface (36a, 36b, 36c) and a lower
surface (37a, 37b, 37c) and having a small thickness, each of the
amplifying modules (9a, 9b) comprising:a recess (19) intended for
receiving an amplification circuit;in its upper surface (36a, 36b),
compartments (Tx, Rx1, Rx2) intended for receiving the filters of the
amplifying system; andan access point for connection to the antenna
(5);the control module (16) comprising:two supply access points (4a, 4b),
each associated respectively to an amplifying module (9a, 9b); anda
recess (20c) intended for receiving a supply line for high and/or low
frequency signals transmitted to the antenna;a central compartment (39)
intended for receiving a control device of the amplifying system.

2. A case assembly for antenna amplifying system according to claim 1,
characterised in that the two amplifying modules (9a, 9b) are arranged on
both sides of the control module (16) and aligned therewith along the
longitudinal axis (34), the control module (16) and both amplifying
modules (9a, 9b) forming an unitary assembly of small thickness,
comprising two longitudinal lateral walls (11, 12), an upper surface (36)
and a lower surface (37), the control module (16) having a centre (35)
and the assembly being symmetrical with respect to an axis (38)
perpendicular to the upper surface (36) and running through the centre
(35) of the control module: each of the amplifying modules (9a, 9b)
comprising:in one of its longitudinal lateral walls (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b),
a recess (20a) intended for receiving a portion of a supply line for high
and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the antenna;in the other one
of its longitudinal lateral walls (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b), the recess (19)
intended for receiving an amplification circuit;in its upper surface
(36a, 36b), the compartments (Tx, Rx1, Rx2) intended for receiving the
filters of the amplifying system; and the access point for connection to
the antenna (5) which is situated close to the control module (16);the
control module (16) comprising:on each of its longitudinal lateral walls
(11c, 12c), one of the supply access points (4a, 4b) associated
respectively to an amplifying module (9a, 9b); andin each of its
longitudinal lateral walls (11c, 12c), the recess (20c) intended for
receiving the other portion of the supply line for high and/or low
frequency signals transmitted to the antenna;the compartment (39)
intended for receiving a control device of the amplifying system.

3. A case assembly for antenna amplifying system according to claim 2,
characterised in that it includes a space (18) between each amplifying
module (9a, 9b) and the control module (16) to accommodate the access
points for connection to the antenna (5).

4. A case assembly for antenna amplifying system according to claim 1,
characterised in that the amplifying modules (9a, 9b) and the control
module (16) are separate modules comprising transversal lateral walls
(50, 51), each of the amplifying modules (9a, 9b) comprising:in its lower
surface (37a, 37b), the recess (19) intended for receiving an
amplification circuit;in its upper surface (36a, 36b), the compartments
(Tx, Rx1, Rx2) intended for receiving the filters of the amplifying
system; andon the lower surface (37a, 37b) of the amplifying modules (9a,
9b), the access point for connection to the antenna (5);the control
module (16) comprising:on each of its transversal lateral walls (51), a
supply access point (4a, 4b) associated respectively to an amplifying
module (9a, 9b);inside the control module (16) and close to its
longitudinal lateral walls (11c, 12c), the recess (20c) intended for
receiving the supply line for high and/or low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna;the compartment (39) intended for receiving a
control device of the amplifying system.

5. A case assembly for antenna amplifying system according to claim 1,
characterised in that each amplifying module (9a, 9b) includes three
compartments (Tx, Rx1, Rx2) intended for receiving the filters of the
amplifying system whereof:a compartment intended for receiving a
transmission frequency passband filter (Tx) comprising a high frequency
signal access point (13), the compartment intended for receiving a
transmission frequency passband filter (Tx) connecting the access point
for connection to the antenna (5) to the high frequency signal access
point (13),a compartment intended for receiving a first reception
frequency passband filter (Rx1) comprising a amplifier input (14), the
compartment intended for receiving a first reception frequency passband
filter (Rx1) connecting the access point for connection to the antenna
(5) to the amplifier input (14), anda compartment intended for receiving
a second reception frequency passband filter (Rx2) comprising an
amplifier output (15), the compartment intended for receiving a second
reception frequency passband filter (Rx2) connecting the amplifier output
(15) to the high frequency signal access point (13).

6. An antenna amplifying system comprising two amplification circuits (A),
two supply lines for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the
antenna (17) and a control device of the amplifying system (C)
characterised in that it includes a case assembly for antenna amplifying
system as defined in claim 1.

7. An antenna amplifying system according to claim 6, characterised in
that each recess (19) intended for receiving an amplifying circuit of the
case assembly for antenna amplifying system includes one of both
amplifying circuits (A), each amplifying circuit (A) connecting the
amplifier input (14) of the compartment intended for receiving a first
reception frequency passband filter (Rx1) to the amplifier output (15) of
the compartment intended for receiving a second reception frequency
passband filter (Rx2).

8. An antenna amplifying system according to claim 6, characterised in
that the control device of the amplifying system (C) is arranged in the
central compartment (39) of the control module (16) of the case assembly
for antenna amplifying system, the control device of the amplifying
system (C) being connected to each amplifying circuit (A) via supply
means of the amplifier (22) so as to enable the control of both
amplifying circuits (A).

9. An antenna amplifying system according to claim 6, characterised in
that the amplifying module (16) of the case assembly for antenna
amplifying system includes, on one of its longitudinal lateral walls
(11c, 12c), an access point for supplying remote control means of phase
variation means connected to the device for controlling the amplifying
system (C), so as to enable the latter to operate a remote control means
of phase variation means (RET).

10. An antenna amplifying system according to claim 6, characterised in
that, for each supply line for high and/or low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna (17), a portion thereof is housed in the
recess (20a) intended for receiving a portion of supply line for high
and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the antenna of one of the
amplifying modules (9a, 9b) and the other part is housed in one of the
recesses (20c) intended for receiving the other portion of the supply
line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the antenna of
the control module (16), each supply line for high and/or low frequency
signals transmitted to the antenna (17) connecting the high frequency
signal access point (13) of the compartment intended for receiving a
transmission frequency passband filter (Tx) of a amplifying module (9a,
9b) to one of the supply access points (4a, 4b) of the control module
(16), associated to this amplifying module (9a, 9b).

11. An antenna amplifying system according to claim 10, characterised in
that each supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted
to the antenna (17) comprises a filter (40) intended for separating the
low frequency signals from the high frequency signals.

12. A mast antenna (45) comprising:a back plane (28) elongated in shape
having a longitudinal axis (40), a lower end (33), a front face (29) and
a rear face (30), at least two radiating elements situated along the
front face (29) of the back plane and at least one beam forming circuit
arranged on the back plane (28) and comprising phase variation means for
changing the electrical tilt of the antenna and two supply access points
of the antenna (27), andtwo supply means of the antenna (31) of length L,
each supply means of the antenna (31) connecting one supply access point
of the antenna (27) to the access point for connection to the antenna (5)
of one of the amplifying modules (9a, 9b),characterised in that it
comprises:an antenna amplifying system (26) as defined in the claims 6 to
11, the antenna amplifying system (26) being arranged on the rear face
(30) of the back plane (28) of the antenna, parallel to the longitudinal
axis (40) of the latter so as to minimise the length L of both supply
means of the antenna (31).

13. A mast antenna according to claim 12, characterised in that it
comprises a distance control means of the phase variation means (RET)
arranged on the rear face (30) of the back plane (28) of the antenna,
said remote control means of the phase variation means (RET) being
connected to the supply access point of remote control means of the phase
variation means of the control module (16) so as to enable to operate
said remote control means of the phase variation means (RET) by the
control device of the amplifying system (C).

14. A mast antenna according to claim 12, characterised in that it
comprises a protective envelope (32), the antenna amplifying system (26),
the remote control means of the phase variation means (RET) and the back
plane (28) of the antenna being embedded in the antenna, inside the
protective envelope (32).

15. A mast antenna according to claim 12, characterised in that the width
of the antenna amplifying system (26) is substantially equal to that of
the back plane (28) of the antenna.

Description:

[0001]The present invention relates to a case assembly for antenna
amplifying system, an antenna amplifying system and a mast antenna
incorporating such a system.

[0002]In radiofrequency communication systems, of the mobile telephony
type, the propagation of the signal representative of a user's voice or
of data goes from the antenna of the mobile telephone towards a base
station. This signal is then conveyed over a wireline network, for
instance, towards another base station, which transmits the signal to the
called party.

[0003]Each base station, still called relay antenna, covers a portion of
territory designated "cell". A coverage zone is hence formed from a set
of cells forming a meshed network of base stations.

[0004]Each base station includes an antenna which may transmit signals
from the base station to the mobile phone of the user in a respective
cell. In such a case, we are talking about a downlink. The antenna may
also receive signals transmitted by the mobile phone of the user in this
same cell. We are talking about an uplink.

[0005]The antennas of the base station transmit signals in a frequency
range differing from that of the signals received so that these signals
are transmitted and received by the same antenna.

[0006]Generally, the signals received by the antenna of the base station
are weaker than the signals transmitted by the latter. It is then
necessary to amplify the signals received with amplifiers of the
tower-mounted amplifier (TMA) type, also called mast head amplifier (MHA)
or tower top low noise amplifier (TTLNA).

[0007]Such amplifiers are known from documents US 2005/0136876, EP 0 724
337 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,854.

[0008]Document US 2005/0136876 divulges a TMA amplifier including filters
capable of filtering radiofrequency signals transmitted or received by
the antenna. The filters are formed of several resonant cavities
including resonator elements. The TMA amplifier also comprises a low
noise amplifier (LNA) intended for amplifying the signals received by the
antenna. The filters are generally stacked on top of another, forming an
amplifier having a significant depth.

[0009]The amplifier is generally placed close to the antenna so as to
reduce the length of the coaxial supply cable connecting the amplifier to
the antenna. Greater the length of the coaxial cable is, greater the
signal loss in the coaxial cables is, leading to a degradation of the
noise factor and a weaker sensitivity for the base station. The quality
of the signal received by the base station is then lower.

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates an antenna 1 of the prior art which is generally
intended for being attached to a mast or a pylon. The antenna 1 is
connected to an amplifier 3 via two coaxial cables 41. The antenna 1 is a
double polarisation antenna, generally ±45°. Each coaxial cable
41 feeds a polarisation access. The amplifier 3 is arranged below the
antenna 1.

[0011]Such a configuration is not ideal and raises signal losses problems
by the coaxial cables. Moreover, the cables are wound for ensuring good
mechanical handling which increases the length of the coaxial cables.

[0012]Other antennas 42, 43 of the prior art, as those illustrated on FIG.
8, include a conventional amplifier 3 of TMA type, fixed at the rear of
the antenna. For certain antennas 42, the amplifier 3 is fixed on the
protective envelope of the antenna 32. Other antennas 43 include an
amplifier 3 inside the protective envelope of the antenna 32.

[0013]Nevertheless, these configurations do not improve the gain of the
antenna significantly and raise space requirements problems of the
antennas whereof the dimensions are important. The visual impact of these
antennas on the environment is harmful. Moreover, they require rather
long installation times since the operator must adjust separately the
amplifier and the antenna.

[0014]One of the objectives of the present invention is hence to offer a
case assembly for antenna amplifying system of reduced size and suitable
to enable it to be embedded in an antenna without changing hardly the
dimensions of the antenna.

[0015]Another objective of the present invention is to provide an antenna
amplifying system comprising such a case and enabling to reduce the time
and the installation cost of the antenna system. It is possible to adjust
the parameters of the antenna (phase shifts) and those of the amplifier,
simultaneously.

[0016]Finally, a last objective of the present invention is to offer a
mast antenna incorporating such an amplifying system and enabling to
improve the gain and the sensitivity of the antenna and to reduce its
space requirements and its visual impact on the environment.

[0017]To this end, the invention relates to a case assembly for antenna
amplifying system.

[0018]According to the invention, the case assembly for amplifying system
of antenna having a general shape elongated along a longitudinal axis
comprises a control module and two amplifying modules aligned therewith
along the longitudinal axis, the control module and both amplifying
modules each comprising two longitudinal lateral walls, an upper surface
and a lower surface and having a small thickness, each of the amplifying
modules comprising: [0019]a recess intended for receiving an
amplification circuit; [0020]in its upper surface, compartments intended
for receiving the filters of the amplifying system; and [0021]an access
point for connection to the antenna; [0022]the control module comprising:
[0023]two supply access points, each associated respectively to an
amplifying module; and [0024]a recess intended for receiving a supply
line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the antenna;
[0025]a central compartment intended for receiving a control device of
the amplifying system.

[0026]In different possible embodiments, the present invention also
relates to the features which will appear during the following
description and which should be considered individually or in all their
technically possible combinations: [0027]the two amplifying modules are
arranged on both sides of the control module and aligned therewith along
the longitudinal axis, the control module and both amplifying modules
forming an unitary assembly of small thickness, comprising two
longitudinal lateral walls, an upper surface and a lower surface, the
control module having a centre and the assembly being symmetrical with
respect to an axis perpendicular to the upper surface and running through
the centre of the control module: each of the amplifying modules
comprising: [0028]in one of its longitudinal lateral walls, a recess
intended for receiving a portion of a supply line for high and/or low
frequency signals transmitted to the antenna; [0029]in the other one of
its longitudinal lateral walls, the recess intended for receiving an
amplification circuit; [0030]in its upper surface, the compartments
intended for receiving the filters of the amplifying system; and
[0031]the access point for connection to the antenna which is situated
close to the control module; [0032]the control module comprising:
[0033]on each of its longitudinal lateral walls, one of the supply access
points associated respectively to an amplifying module; and [0034]in each
of its longitudinal lateral walls, the recess intended for receiving the
other portion of the supply line for high and/or low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna; [0035]the compartment intended for receiving
a control device of the amplifying system; [0036]the case assembly for
antenna amplifying system includes a space between each amplifying module
and the control module to accommodate the access points for connection to
the antenna; [0037]the amplifying modules and the control module are
separate modules comprising transversal lateral walls, each of the
amplifying modules comprising: [0038]in its lower surface, the recess
intended for receiving an amplification circuit; [0039]in its upper
surface, the compartments intended for receiving the filters of the
amplifying system; and [0040]on the lower surface of the amplifying
modules, the access point for connection to the antenna; [0041]the
control module comprising: [0042]on each of its transversal lateral
walls, a supply access points-associated respectively to an amplifying
module; [0043]inside the control module and close to its longitudinal
lateral walls, the recess intended for receiving the supply line for high
and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the antenna; [0044]the
compartment intended for receiving a control device of the amplifying
system; [0045]each amplifying module includes three compartments
intended for receiving the filters of the amplifying system whereof:
[0046]a compartment intended for receiving a transmission frequency
passband filter comprising a high frequency signal access point, the
compartment intended for receiving a transmission frequency passband
filter connecting the access point for connection to the antenna to the
high frequency signal access point; [0047]a compartment intended for
receiving a first reception frequency passband filter comprising a
amplifier input, the compartment intended for receiving a first reception
frequency passband filter connecting the access point for connection to
the antenna to the amplifier input; and [0048]a compartment intended for
receiving a second reception frequency passband filter comprising an
amplifier output, the compartment intended for receiving a second
reception frequency passband filter connecting the amplifier output to
the high frequency signal access point.

[0049]The invention also relates to an antenna amplifying system
comprising two amplifying circuits, two supply lines for high and low
frequency signals transmitted to the antenna and a control device of the
amplifying system.

[0050]According to the invention, the antenna amplifying system comprises
a case assembly for antenna amplifying system as defined previously.

[0051]In different possible embodiments, the present invention also
relates to the features which will appear during the following
description and which should be considered individually or in all their
technically possible combinations: [0052]each recess intended for
receiving an amplifying circuit of the case assembly for antenna
amplifying system includes one of both amplifying circuits, each
amplifying circuit connecting the amplifier input of the compartment
intended for receiving a first reception frequency passband filter to the
amplifier output of the compartment intended for receiving a second
reception frequency passband filter; [0053]the control device of the
amplifying system is arranged in the central compartment of the control
module of the case assembly for antenna amplifying system, the control
device of the amplifying system being connected to each amplifying
circuit via supply means of the amplifier so as to enable the control of
both amplifying circuits; [0054]the control module of the case assembly
for antenna amplifying system includes, on one of its longitudinal
lateral walls, an access point for supplying remote control means of
phase variation means connected to the device for controlling the
amplifying system, so as to enable the latter to operate a remote control
means of phase variation means; [0055]for each supply line for high
and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the antenna, a portion
thereof is housed in the recess intended for receiving a portion of
supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the
antenna of one of the amplifying modules, and the other portion is housed
in one of the recesses intended for receiving the other portion of the
supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the
antenna of the control module, each supply line for high and/or low
frequency signals transmitted to the antenna connecting the high
frequency signal access point of the compartment intended for receiving a
transmission frequency passband filter of a amplifying module to one of
the supply access points of the control module, associated to this
amplifying module; [0056]each supply line for high and/or low frequency
signals transmitted to the antenna comprises a filter intended for
separating the low frequency signals from the high frequency signals.

[0057]The invention also relates to a mast antenna comprising: [0058]a
back plane elongated in shape having a longitudinal axis, a lower end, a
front face and a rear face, at least two radiating elements situated
along the front face of the back plane and at least one beam forming
circuit arranged on the back plane and including phase variation means
for changing the electrical tilt of the antenna and two supply access
points of the antenna; and [0059]two supply means of the antenna of
length L, each supply means of the antenna connecting one supply access
point of the antenna to the access point for connection to the antenna of
one of the amplifying modules.

[0060]According to the invention, the mast antenna comprises an antenna
amplifying system as defined previously, the antenna amplifying system
being arranged on the rear face of the back plane of the antenna,
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latter so as to minimise the
length L of both supply means of the antenna.

[0061]In different possible embodiments, the present invention also
relates to the features which will appear during the following
description and which should be considered individually or in all their
technically possible combinations: [0062]the mast antenna comprises a
distance control means of the phase variation means arranged on the rear
face of the back plane of the antenna, said remote control means of the
phase variation means being connected to the supply access point of the
remote control means of phase variation means of the control module so as
to enable to operate the remote control means of the phase variation
means by the control device of the amplifying system; [0063]the mast
antenna includes a protective envelope, the antenna amplifying system,
the remote control means of the phase variation means and the back plane
of the antenna being embedded in the antenna, inside the protective
envelope; [0064]the width of the antenna amplifying system is
substantially equal to that of the back plane of the antenna.

[0065]By "embedded" in the antenna is meant in the sense of the present
invention, an amplifying system arranged inside the envelope of the
antenna, without it being necessary to increase the minimal depth of this
envelope relative to an antenna, besides identical, not incorporating the
amplifying system.

[0066]The case assembly for antenna amplifying system exhibits an
elongated shape and a small depth, which makes it more compact and
suitable for embedding in the envelope of the antenna.

[0067]Moreover, the invention enables to arrange the access points for
connection to the antenna of the amplifying system quite close to the
supply access points of the antenna, thereby reducing the length of the
connection cables and consequently enables to improve the noise factor
and the gain of the antenna.

[0068]The amplifying system of the invention may be pre-adjusted fully in
factory, before installing the antenna on the mast or pylon. It hence
does not require any tricky adjustments when installing the antenna.

[0069]The invention will be described more in detail with reference to the
appended drawings wherein:

[0070]FIG. 1 represents an antenna associated with an amplifier according
to the prior art;

[0071]FIG. 2 represents a lateral view of an antenna amplifying system
according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0072]FIG. 3 represents a front view of this antenna amplifying system
according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0073]FIG. 4 represents a front view of half a case assembly for antenna
amplifying system according to this first embodiment of the invention;

[0076]FIG. 7 represents the back view of the mast antenna according to the
first embodiment of the invention;

[0077]FIG. 8 is a representation of antennas of the prior art and of the
mast antenna according to the first embodiment of the invention enabling
to compare their dimension;

[0078]FIG. 9 represents a mast antenna according to a second embodiment of
the invention;

[0079]FIG. 10 represents the top view of an amplifying module according to
the second embodiment of the invention;

[0080]FIG. 11 represents the back view of this amplifying module according
to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0081]FIG. 12 represents the top view of a control module according to the
second embodiment of the invention;

[0082]FIG. 13 represents the back view of this control module according to
said other embodiment;

[0083]FIGS. 2 and 3 represent respectively a lateral view and a front view
of an antenna amplifying system, according to a first embodiment of the
invention.

[0084]Such an antenna amplifying system comprises a case assembly for
amplifying system of antenna having a general shape elongated along a
longitudinal axis 34.

[0085]The case assembly for antenna amplifying system includes a control
module 16 having a centre 35 and two amplifying modules 9a, 9b arranged
on both sides of the control module 16. In a preferred manner, the
control module 16 is positioned in the centre of the case assembly for
antenna amplifying system. Alternatively, it could be not positioned
symmetrically. The control modules 16, which is a central control module,
and both amplifying modules 9a, 9b, which are lateral amplifying modules,
are aligned along the longitudinal axis 34.

[0087]They form a unitary assembly of small thickness, comprising two
longitudinal lateral walls 11, 12, an upper surface 36 and a lower
surface 37.

[0088]By small thickness is meant a thickness lower than 48 mm so that the
case for amplifying system exhibits a relatively flat shape. In a
preferred embodiment, the thickness of the unitary assembly is ranging
between 20 mm and 48 mm.

[0089]In a more preferred embodiment, the antenna amplifying system
exhibits a thickness of approximately 31 mm, a width of approximately 150
mm and a length of approximately 560 mm. The previous thickness values
are given for an antenna amplifying system comprising a lid without any
screw head. With the screw heads on the lid, the thickness of the antenna
amplifying system is approximately 33.4 mm.

[0090]The unitary assembly is in the form of a parallelepiped but may also
take on other shapes. Both amplifying modules 9a, 9b may have rounded
ends, for instance.

[0091]The unitary assembly is symmetrical relative to an axis 38
perpendicular to the upper surface 36 and running through the centre of
the control module 35.

[0092]The case assembly for antenna amplifying system may be in aluminium
or in plastic material. Each of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b includes an
access point for connection to the antenna 5 situated close to the
control module 16.

[0093]The access points for connection to the antenna 5 may be arranged in
a space 18 situated between each amplifying module 9a, 9b and the control
module 16. This space is preferably 11 mm. It may be ranging between 3 mm
and 15 mm. Its width must be sufficient for letting through the coaxial
cables connecting the amplifying system to the antenna.

[0094]Each space 18 situated between an amplifying module 9a, 9b and the
control module 16 extends from one of the longitudinal lateral walls 11,
12 up to approximately half the case for amplifying system, in the
transversal direction. The spaces 18 are symmetrical relative to the axis
38 perpendicular to the upper surface 36 and running through the centre
35 of the control module 16.

[0095]The arrangement of the access points for connection to the antenna 5
in their respective space 18 enables to reduce the length of the supply
means of the antenna 31 which may consist of coaxial cables.

[0098]Each of these halves comprises an amplifying module 9a, 9b and half
a control module 16. Both halves of the case assembly for antenna
amplifying system are identical.

[0099]This manufacturing method enables to simplify the manufacture of the
case assembly for antenna amplifying system and to reduce the set up
times of the machines which are set up only once for both case halves and
for all those which will be manufactured at a later stage.

[0100]Both these case halves are assembled and held interconnected to one
another by bolts, for instance.

[0101]One of the longitudinal side walls of half a case for amplifying
system is formed of a longitudinal lateral wall 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b of an
amplifying module 9a, 9b and of a longitudinal lateral wall 11c, 12c of
the control module 16.

[0102]The other longitudinal side wall of half the case for amplifying
system is formed of the other longitudinal lateral wall 11a, 11b, 12a,
12b of the amplifying module 9a, 9b.

[0103]Half the control module 16 is formed of a U-shaped part 47
protruding on the longitudinal lateral wall 11c, 12c of the control
module 16, towards the inside of the control module 16. The U-shaped part
47 comprises two opposite portions 48, 49 whereof a wide portion 49,
interconnected with the amplifying module 9a, 9b and a small width 48,
adjacent to the space 18 situated between the other amplifying module 9a,
9b and the control module 16.

[0105]In the example of FIGS. 2, 3, the compartments intended for
receiving the filters of the amplifying system Tx, Rx1, Rx2 are three in
number.

[0106]They include a compartment intended for receiving a transmission
frequency passband filter Tx comprising a high frequency signal access
point 13. The compartment intended for receiving a transmission frequency
passband filter Tx comprises the access point for connecting the antenna
5 to the high frequency signal access point 13, as illustrated on the
diagram of FIG. 5.

[0107]The compartments intended for receiving the filters of the
amplifying system Tx, Rx1, Rx2 also include a compartment intended for
receiving a first reception frequency passband filter Rx1 comprising an
amplifier input 14. The compartment intended for receiving a first
reception frequency passband filter Rx1 links the access point connecting
the antenna 5 to the amplifier input 14.

[0108]The compartments intended for receiving the filters of the
amplifying system Tx, Rx1, Rx2 also include a compartment intended for
receiving a second reception frequency passband filter Rx2 comprising an
amplifier output 15. The compartment intended for receiving a second
reception frequency passband filter Rx2 links the amplifier output 15 to
the high frequency signal access point 13.

[0109]The filters of the amplifying system Tx, Rx1, Rx2 consist of several
resonators, parallel to one another.

[0110]The transmission frequency passband filter Tx comprises five
resonators aligned along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 34. The five resonators are arranged close to the end of transversal
wall 44 of the lateral module 9b and parallel to the latter.

[0111]The first reception frequency passband filter Rx1 comprises seven
resonators arranged between the transmission frequency passband filter Tx
and the access point for connection to the antenna 5.

[0112]The second reception frequency passband filter Rx2 comprises five
resonators arranged close to the high frequency signal access point 13.

[0113]Each of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b comprises, in one of its
longitudinal lateral walls 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, a recess 19 intended for
receiving an amplifying circuit A.

[0114]Each amplifying circuit A connects the amplifier input 14 of the
compartment intended for receiving a first reception frequency passband
filter Rx1 to the amplifier output 15 of the compartment intended for
receiving a second reception frequency passband filter Rx2.

[0115]The amplifying circuits A are preferably of the low noise amplifier
(LNA) type.

[0116]They enable to amplify the high frequency signals received by the
antenna.

[0117]Each of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b comprises, in the other one of
its longitudinal lateral walls 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, a recess 20a intended
for receiving a portion of supply line for high and/or low frequency
signals transmitted to the antenna 17.

[0118]The control module 16 comprises, on each of its longitudinal lateral
walls 11c, 12c, a supply access point 4a, 4b. A supply access point is
associated respectively to a single amplifying module 9a, 9b.

[0119]The control module 16 comprises, in each of its longitudinal lateral
walls 11c, 12c, a recess 20c intended for receiving the other portion of
the supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the
antenna 17.

[0120]A portion of each supply line for high and/or low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna 17 is housed in the recess 20a intended for
receiving a portion of supply line for high and/or low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna of one of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b.

[0121]The other portion is housed in one of the recesses 20c intended for
receiving the other portion of the supply line for high and/or low
frequency signals transmitted to the antenna, of the control module 16.

[0122]Each supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted
to the antenna 17 connects the high frequency signal access point 13 of
the compartment intended for receiving a transmission frequency passband
filter Tx of a amplifying module 9a, 9b, to one of the supply access
points 4a, 4b of the control module 16 associated to this amplifying
module 9a, 9b.

[0123]The supply lines for high and low frequency signals transmitted to
the antenna 17 act as a transmission line for the high frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna and act as a filter for separating the low
frequencies from the high frequencies.

[0124]The high frequency signals correspond to the signals transmitted by
the antenna. The high frequency signals are transmitted by the antenna
(downlink) in a frequency range ranging between 2110 MHz and 2170 MHz.
The high frequency signals are received by the antenna (uplink) in a
frequency range ranging between 1920 MHz and 1980 MHz.

The above frequency ranges are the ones used by UMTS cellular networks.
Other embodiments can also be realised with network like GSM, PCN, PCS, .
. . with their corresponding downlink and uplink frequency ranges.

[0125]The low frequency signals are used to feed the control card, the
amplifiers and the remote control means of the phase variation means
(RET).

[0126]Each supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted
to the antenna 17 comprises a filter 40 intended for separating the low
frequency signals from the high frequency signals which are transmitted
towards the transmission frequency passband filter Tx.

[0127]The filter 40 exhibits a diameter greater than that of the remainder
of the supply line. The recesses 20a intended for receiving a portion of
supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the
antenna 9, from the amplifying modules 9a, 9b include a wide portion of
recess, at the filter 40.

[0128]What follows describes the operation of the antenna amplifying
system.

[0129]As illustrated on FIG. 6, each supply access point 4a, 4b of the
control module 16 is connected to a coaxial cable 46 which is itself
connected to the base station. Each supply access point 4a, 4b is
attributed a polarisation access)(±45°.

[0130]Each coaxial cable 46 transmits to a supply access point 4a, 4b, the
high and low frequency signals coming from the base station. The latter
arrive at the respective supply lines for high and low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna 17. The high frequency signals are separated
from the low frequency signals via the filter 40.

[0131]The high frequency signals come up at the high frequency signal
access point 13 of the transmission frequency passband filter Tx for
filtering by the latter.

[0132]The high frequency filtered signals exit the transmission frequency
passband filter Tx through the access point for connection to the antenna
5 which is connected to an antenna via a means for supplying the antenna
31, of the coaxial cable type for instance, itself connected to a supply
access point of the antenna 27.

[0133]The control module 16 comprises a central compartment 39 intended
for receiving a control device of the amplifying system C which may be a
control card, for instance.

[0134]The control device of the amplifying system C is connected to each
amplifying circuit A via supply means of the amplifier 22 so as to enable
the control of both amplifying circuits A by a same control device of the
amplifying system C.

[0135]The low frequency signals which have been filtered by the filter 40,
are transmitted to the control device of the amplifying system C.

[0136]In uplink, the high frequency signals received by the antenna are
transmitted to the amplifying modules 9a, 9b via supply access points of
the antenna 27, connected to the supply means of the antenna 31.

[0137]The high frequency signals received are then transmitted to the
first reception frequency passband filters Rx1 by the respective access
points for connection to the antenna 5.

[0138]The high frequency signals received are filtered a first time then
exit the amplifier inputs 14 for being amplified by the amplifying
circuits A.

[0139]The high frequency signals filtered and amplified are then
transmitted to the second reception frequency passband filters Rx2 by the
amplifier outputs 15 for being filtered a second time.

[0140]They exit through the high frequency signal access points 13 of the
transmission frequency passband filters Tx, and are directed towards the
supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted to the
antenna 17, then transmitted towards the base station.

[0141]The invention also relates to a mast antenna, represented on FIGS. 6
and

[0142]FIG. 6 represents diagrammatically a mast antenna incorporating an
amplifying system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0143]FIG. 7 represents a back view of the mast antenna.

[0144]Such a mast antenna is known by the document FR 2866756.

[0145]Advantageously, the mast antenna 45 is of double crossed
polarisation type and it hence includes two polarisation accesses.

[0146]The mast antenna 45 comprises a back plane 28 elongated in shape
having a longitudinal axis 40, a front face 29 and a rear face 30, as
well as at least two radiating elements situated along the front face 29
of the back plane. Generally, when the mast antenna 45 is in place, this
longitudinal axis 40 is vertical.

[0147]The mast antenna 45 also comprises at least one beam forming circuit
arranged on the back plane 28.

[0148]The beam forming circuit comprises phase variation means for
modifying the tilt angle of the main beam axis. These phase variation
means include at least one phase-shifting element.

[0149]Throughout the printed circuit, a longitudinal half, left for
instance, corresponds to the beam forming circuit for one of the
polarisation accesses, and the other longitudinal half, symmetrical to
the first one, corresponds to the same functions for the other
polarisation.

[0150]The mast antenna 45 also comprises two supply means of the antenna
31 of length L.

[0151]Each supply means of the antenna 31 connects one of both supply
access points of the antenna 27 to the access point for connection to the
antenna 5 of one of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b.

[0152]According to an embodiment of the invention, the mast antenna 45
comprises an antenna amplifying system 26 as defined previously.

[0153]The antenna amplifying system 26 is arranged on the rear face 30 of
the back plane 28 of the antenna, parallel to the longitudinal axis 40 of
the latter and close to both supply access points of the antenna 27 so as
to minimise the length L of both supply means of the antenna 31.

[0154]The length L of each supply means of the antenna 31 ranges between
20 mm and 100 mm. It is preferably 70 mm, as in the example of FIG. 6,
the length L depends on the position of the case assembly for antenna
amplifying system arranged on the antenna. The position of the case
assembly for antenna amplifying system is adjusted on the antenna so as
to the access points for connection to the antenna 5 are as close as
possible to the supply access points of the antenna 27, minimising the
length L of both supply means 31.

[0155]Advantageously, both supply means 31 may be air lines.

[0156]It may be different for each supply means of the antenna 31. The
means for supplying the antenna 31 are preferably coaxial cables.

[0157]In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis 40 of the back plane 28 of
the antenna is parallel to the longitudinal axis 34 of the case assembly
for antenna amplifying system. It may also be non parallel.

[0158]Preferably, the antenna amplifying system 26 is arranged on the rear
face 30 of the back plane 28 of the antenna, on the side of its upper
surface 36. The upper surface 36 of the amplifying system is adjacent to
the rear face 30 of the back plane 28.

[0159]It is also possible to have the lower surface 37 of the antenna
amplifying system 26 on the rear face 30 of the back plane 28 of the
antenna.

[0160]In the example of FIG. 7, the antenna amplifying system 26 is not
quite arranged in the middle of the antenna 45.

[0161]In a possible embodiment, the antenna amplifying system 26 is
arranged in the middle of the antenna 45.

[0162]The mast antenna 45 comprises a remote control means of the phase
variation means (RET), arranged on the rear face 30 of the back plane 28
of the antenna, between its lower end 33 and the antenna amplifying
system 26.

[0163]The case assembly for antenna amplifying system comprises fastening
means for attachment to the antenna 45. These fastening means may be
situated at each end of the case assembly for antenna amplifying system.
One of the ends of the case assembly for antenna amplifying system may be
attached to the remote control means of the phase variation means (RET).
The other end may be attached to another element protruding on the back
plane 28 of the antenna.

[0164]The width of the antenna amplifying system 26 is substantially equal
to that of the back plane 28 of the antenna. It may also be slightly
greater or slightly smaller.

[0165]As explained previously, the arrangement of the access points for
connection to the antenna 5 in their respective space 18 enables to
reduce the length L of the supply means of the antenna 31 and to improve
the gain of the antenna.

[0166]The control module 16 of the case assembly for antenna amplifying
system includes, on one of its longitudinal lateral walls 11c, 12c, an
access point for supplying remote control means of phase variation means.
The access point for supplying remote control means of phase variation
means is not represented on the Figures.

[0167]The access point for supplying remote control means of phase
variation means is connected to the device for controlling the amplifying
system C, so as to enable the latter to operate a remote control means of
phase variation means (RET) of the mast antenna 45.

[0168]The device for controlling the amplifying system C is set up for
controlling simultaneously both amplifying circuits A and the remote
control means of phase variation means (RET), which enables to use a
single control device of the amplifying system C. When installing the
antenna on a site, the adjustment of the parameters of the antenna
(phase-shifters) and those of the amplifiers, are performed
simultaneously, which avoids double intervention of the operator. The
gains in time and money are significant.

[0169]The control module 16 of the case assembly for antenna amplifying
system may include, on one of its longitudinal lateral walls 11c, 12c,
another access point for supplying remote control means of phase
variation means 39.

[0171]The other access point for supplying remote control means of phase
variation means 39 is connected to the AISG bus (Antenna Interface
Standard Group) of the control device of the amplifying system C.

[0172]The mast antenna 45 is housed in a protective envelope 32. The
antenna amplifying system 26, the remote control means of the phase
variation means (RET) and the back plane 28 of the antenna, are embedded
in the antenna, inside the protective envelope 32, as illustrated on FIG.
8.

[0173]A compact mast antenna 45 can thus be obtained, with low visual
impact on the environment.

[0174]FIG. 8 illustrates three antennas 1, 42, 43 of the prior art among
which, from left to right, a stand alone antenna (SAA) type 1, an antenna
42 having a conventional TMA amplifier 3 fixed to the protective envelope
of the antenna 32 and an antenna 43 having a conventional TMA amplifier 3
arranged behind the antenna 43, inside the protective envelope 32, as
well the mast antenna 45 according to the invention.

[0175]In this particular embodiment, the mast antenna 45, according to the
invention, exhibits a height of approximately 155 cm, a width of
approximately 16 cm and a thickness of approximately 8 cm.

[0176]The antennas of the prior art, of the SAA stand alone antenna type 1
reach a height of 230 cm.

[0177]The antennas 43 of the prior art having a conventional TMA amplifier
3 arranged behind the antenna, inside the protective envelope 32, may
exhibit a height reaching 170 cm, as well as a width and a thickness
reaching 20 cm.

[0178]The reduced dimensions of the mast antenna 45 according to the
invention, also enable to obtain smaller wind resistance and lower risks
of damage under stormy conditions.

[0179]Moreover, as explained previously, the significant reduction in
length of the coaxial cables (or supply means of the antenna 31)
connecting the antenna to the amplifier enables to reduce the internal
losses in high frequency signals received by the antenna, in case of an
uplink. This leads to improve the noise factor which is approximately 1.3
dB (for a gain at 12 dBi (decibel relative to the isotropic antenna)) and
the gain of the antenna which is approximately 16.2 dBi.

[0180]In comparison, the noise factor (for a gain at 12 dBi) of the
antennas of the prior art 1, 42, 43 is 1.5 dB and the gain of these
antennas varies between 15.5 dBi and 15.8 dBi. The gain is 15.5 dBi for a
stand alone antenna SAA 1, 15.7 dBi for an antenna 42 having a
conventional TMA amplifier 3 fixed to the protective envelope of the
antenna 32, and 15.8 dBi for an antenna 43 having a conventional TMA
amplifier 15 arranged behind the antenna 43, inside the protective
envelope 32.

[0181]The gain of the mast antenna 45 according to the invention is also
greater, in the case for a downlink, i.e. for the high frequency signals
transmitted by the antenna. It is approximately 16.9 dBi against
approximately 15.8 dBi for the antennas of the prior art such as stand
alone antennas SAA 1.

[0182]FIG. 9 represents a mast antenna according to a second embodiment of
the invention.

[0183]In this second embodiment, the amplifying modules 9a, 9b and the
control module 16 are separate modules comprising transversal lateral
walls 50, 51. In the example of FIG. 9, the control module 16 is below
the amplifying modules 9a, 9b.

[0184]The control module 16 and the two amplifying modules 9a, 9b are
aligned therewith along the longitudinal axis 34 and have each a small
thickness which is lower than 48 mm. The thickness of each separated
module can be identical or nearly identical.

[0185]FIG. 10 represents the top view of an amplifying module according to
this second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 represents the back view
of this amplifying module.

[0186]As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b
comprises in its lower surface 37a, 37b, a recess 19 intended for
receiving an amplification circuit. In this FIG. 11, the amplifying
circuit A is covered by a cover. In a preferred manner, this cover is not
protruding on the lower surface 37a, 37b of the amplifying modules 9a,
9b.

[0187]As illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b
comprises in its upper surface 36a, 36b, compartments Tx, Rx1, Rx2
intended for receiving the filters of the amplifying system. In this FIG.
10, the compartments Tx, Rx1, Rx2 are covered by a cover. The amplifying
modules 9a, 9b are elongated in shape along the longitudinal axis 34.

[0188]The access point for connection to the antenna 5 is situated on the
lower surface 37a, 37b of the amplifying modules 9a, 9b.

[0189]The high frequency signal access point 13 is positioned on the lower
surface 37a, 37b of amplifying module 9a, 9b.

[0190]In another possible embodiment, the high frequency signal access
point 13 is positioned on one of the transversal lateral wall 50.

[0191]FIG. 12 represents the top view of a control module according to the
second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 represents the bottom view of
this control module.

[0192]The control module 16 comprises four access ports 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. It
comprises on one of its transversal lateral walls 51, two supply access
points 4a, 4b associated respectively to an amplifying module 9a, 9b. On
the other of its transversal lateral walls 51, the control module 16
comprises two output ports 4c, 4d.

[0193]Inside the control module 16 and close to its longitudinal lateral
walls 11c, 12c, the control module 16 comprises a recess 20c intended for
receiving the supply line for high and/or low frequency signals
transmitted to the antenna. This recess 20c is parallel to the
longitudinal lateral walls 11c, 12c. In this second embodiment, and in
opposition to the first embodiment, this recess 20c is open only at its
opposing ends. Each recess 20c goes through a tubular element. Each
tubular element is positioned inside the control module 16.

[0194]The control module 16 comprises a compartment 39 intended for
receiving a control device of the amplifying system. The compartment 39
is in the middle of the control module 16.

[0195]The control module 16 comprises two compartments 52 for receiving
lightning protection circuits, each disposed symmetrically in a corner of
the control module 16.

[0196]In a particular embodiment of the invention, the supply line 17 can
feed one of the supply access points 4a, 4b with only the high frequency
signals.

[0197]Each supply line for high and/or low frequency signals transmitted
to the antenna 17 can comprise a filter 40 intended for separating the
low frequency signals from the high frequency signals and positioned
inside the recess 20c intended for receiving the supply line for high
and/or low frequency signals.